Gympie residents recovering from cancer treatment will now have
access to fast and efficient Lymphoedema screening, with the arrival of Sozo
Bio-Impedance Technology at the Gympie Hospital.
Funded by the Wishlist Coffee House and its committed troop of
local volunteers, the $8000 piece of equipment will support the Hospital’s Lymphoedema
Early Detection Screening Program, reducing the need for patients to
travel to Sunshine Coast.
Physiotherapist, Genevieve Tremblay, says the Sozo will be
invaluable for residents at risk of developing Lymphoedema post cancer
treatment and will be key in improving outcomes for locals suffering with the
condition.
“The equipment will provide
locals with a much faster way to screen for Lymphoedema, therefor increasing
the likelihood of early detection.
“Lymphoedema is the build-up of fluid in soft body tissues when the lymph
system is damaged or blocked through surgery and radiotherapy. It
commonly affects the arms and legs – causing swelling, aches and pains, or the
feeling of heaviness – and remains a lifelong functional problem requiring
daily treatment.
“With this technology we can detect fluid
accumulation very early, which has shown to reduce the incidence of clinical
lymphoedema dramatically.
“We are very fortunate to have this equipment and
are grateful to Wishlist, and the Wishlist Coffee House volunteers for their work
in making this happen,” said Ms Tremblay.
Wishlist CEO, Lisa Rowe said the equipment is part of the
foundation’s commitment to Gympie Hospital and the community it serves.
“The benefits of this equipment are many and far reaching.
We’re so proud to be able to provide the funding for the Sozo, and other
important initiatives within the Gympie Health Service,” said Ms Rowe.
Already in 2019, Wishlist have allocated more $30,000 to fund blood-glucose monitoring equipment for Gympie children with Type 1 Diabetes, resources for a Gympie-based Child Development Outreach Service and the refurbishment of the Hospital’s Maternity and Paediatric Emergency Ward.
“This funding is the result of a tight-knit community working together to support their local health service.
“The volunteers at the Wishlist Coffee House are a dedicated
group of residents giving up their time to raise funds for important health
services and equipment, and have helped to raise more than $370,000 for the
Gympie Hospital in just six years.
“It’s truly amazing,” said Ms Rowe.
Wishlist Coffee House Manager, Richard Ward said he’s incredibly
proud of his team of volunteers and the work they do for the local hospital.
“All funds raised by our work enhance the services at Gympie
Hospital, which potentially benefits every Gympie resident. I know our volunteers love to know they’re
providing vital assets like this to our town.”
Volunteers are always needed so if you’d like to join the team at
the Wishlist Coffee House please contact sc-wishlist@health.qld.gov.au or phone
5202 1777.
